PhD in Disability Studies (Doctor of Philosophy in Disability Studies)

PhD in Disability Studies About

Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the social, cultural, and political aspects of disability. It looks at disability as a social construct and examines the experiences of people with disabilities in society. PhD in Disability Studies involves advanced study and research in this field, and it aims to produce scholars who can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of disability issues.

Some of the key topics that you may explore in a PhD program in Disability Studies include:

Disability identity and culture: This area of study looks at how people with disabilities develop a sense of identity and how they relate to the larger culture. It also explores how disability culture is constructed and how it can be strengthened.

Disability and society: This area of study looks at how disability intersects with social structures and systems. It examines the impact of disability on education, employment, healthcare, and other areas of life.

Disability and the arts: This area of study looks at the representation of disability in art and media. It explores how art can challenge stereotypes and promote a more positive image of disability.

Disability and technology: This area of study looks at the role of technology in enabling people with disabilities to participate more fully in society. It examines the development and use of assistive technologies, as well as the social and ethical implications of these technologies.

PhD in Disability Studies Course Highlights

PhD in Disability Studies Entrance Exam

The entrance exam requirements may vary depending on the institution offering the program. Some universities may require GRE or other standardized tests, while others may require a writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. It is advisable to check the admission requirements of the universities you are interested in.

PhD in Disability Studies Admission Process

• To be eligible for a PhD in Disability Studies, applicants typically need a Master's degree in a related field, such as Disability Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Education, or a related discipline.
• Some programs may also consider applicants with a Bachelor's degree in a related field, provided they have sufficient relevant experience and a strong academic record.
• It is important to check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in.

PhD in Disability Studies Duration

The duration of a PhD in Disability Studies typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the program and the student's progress.

The first two years of the program usually involve coursework and the development of a research proposal, while the remaining years are dedicated to research and writing the dissertation.

PhD in Disability Studies Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a PhD program in Disability Studies typically include academic performance, relevant work or research experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement or statement of purpose, and the potential for the applicant to contribute to the field of Disability Studies through research and scholarship. Some programs may also require an interview or writing sample.

PhD in Disability Studies How to Apply

PhD in Disability Studies Application Form

The application form for a PhD program in Disability Studies can typically be found on the website of the institution offering the program. Applicants will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and submit the required documents. It is important to carefully review the admission requirements and application instructions of each institution and to meet all application deadlines.

PhD in Disability Studies Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Disability Studies typically involves submitting transcripts of previous academic work, a resume or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or statement of purpose, and any required standardized test scores. Some programs may require an interview or writing sample. It is important to carefully review the admission requirements and application instructions of each institution and to meet all application deadlines.

PhD in Disability Studies Fee Structure

The application fee for a PhD in Disability Studies can vary depending on the institution offering the program. It is advisable to check the specific fees for the universities you are interested in.

PhD in Disability Studies Syllabus

PhD in Disability Studies Career Opportunities

Some of the career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Disability Studies include:

• University Professor or Researcher
  
• Disability Policy Analyst
• Disability Services Director or Coordinator
• Disability Rights Advocate
• Disability Consultant
• Non-profit Organization Executive Director
• Social Worker
• Public Health Specialist
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Assistive Technology Specialist

PhD in Disability Studies Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges and universities offering PhD programs in Disability Studies include:

1. Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
   
2. University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
3. University of California, Los Angeles, CA
4. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
6. University of California, Berkeley, CA
7. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
8. University of Washington, Seattle, WA
9. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
10. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

PhD in Disability Studies Admission Process

• Application for the entrance exam 
•  Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Disability Studies Documents Checklist 

1.  Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Disability Studies

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.